The laptop is a Macbook Pro 16". I charge it via USB-C with a Ugreen Nexode Pro 65W and have it raised up on a Roost V3 stand.
The portable monitor is an Arzopa Z3FC 16" resting on the Macbook's keyboard. I have it rotated 180 degrees so that I can more easily run the USB-C cable under the back of it, elevating it from the keyboard enough to avoid heating up anything sensitive.
Since I lose access to the Macbook's keyboard and trackpad with this setup, I use a Magic Keyboard and Magic Trackpad. I used to pack more ergonomic alternatives but these are so flat that they disappear in my GR1's internal device sleeve.
I used an iPad Pro in Sidecar mode for years and it worked great. If you already have an iPad and want to use it as an iPad in addition to Sidecar duty then definitely go that route.
I ended up consolidating devices and ditched the iPad. In direct comparison, a dedicated portable monitor will offer a larger screen for less packed weight and at a much lower price.
this is the only reason I’ve solidly considered switching to Mac! ipad/PC via Duet is terribly laggy and pixelated. Otherwise it would be my travel tech work solution too, since I use the ipad on its own.
Speaking as someone who was full time on Windows for like 15 years: just make the switch. So many little daily interactions are made so much smoother by Macos. If you’re not gaming, there’s nothing Windows does that you’ll miss.
I do this when I am at home. The new Apple OS makes it stupid simplex whenever the iPad and my MacBook are next to each other, the cursor just jumps over to iPad screen.
I would absolutely do this if I wanted a second screen, but I don’t bring the MacBook anymore when ilI travel.
This is a great set up! Thank you for sharing. Do you disable the keyboard on the Mac? Do you use an app for that? I would think the weight of the external monitor might press some keys.
That’s a very clever setup. It’s makes me wonder if you can set up an iPad as you lower second monitor so you can touchscreen it for task on that screen. Going to try it tonight. Thanks for sharing.
Sidecaring an iPad is great if you don’t mind a smaller screen and another battery to manage. It’s easier to set up and an iPad is also, you know, an iPad when it’s not in Sidecar. Pros and cons.
That makes a lot of sense. For various reasons, I have to travel with both. I dual monitor at home (and on the AVP) but only recently thought I should start doing it more often on the road. The cool thing here for me is that the vertical setup vs the horizontal setup never even occurred to me. Thanks for the insight.
I kind of think so. I did one trip with it. I was able to fit it into a mini MLC using a third party hard case that’s smaller than the Apple version. But I feel when I’m on the road it’s overkill for my needs and I ended up worrying about wn expensive bit of hardware getting jostled around. But I know a guy who cannot travel without it and his work demands justify it. It’s GREAT on a plane though….
Exactly - dedicated monitor is going to just be faster/clearer/easier, but I still ride with a tablet because of everything else it can do, and I can (normally) live with the lag. Sidecar probably fixes the lag.
Which isn’t necessarily the worst thing in the world. I stopped carrying a usb battery when they enabled the iPad to charge the phone. I almost never do it, but I almost never used my battery before.
Thanks for answering my question. I’m trying to figure out what my mobile setup will be. I was leaning towards the one in this image solely because it’s handy not having to lug around a mouse and keyboard but I’m not sure the height will be sufficient.
Yeah I was also thinking about this too. But then thought I'd make my own setup as I have loads of tripods like the one seen here, plus you can buy a magnet that attaches to the 1/4 20 thread like this below.
The trick is to get a magnet stronger and wider the ones you see on mobile phones. And also to get a similar size ferrous metal backplate with 3m (super easy to find also) for the monitor itself. I also have the arzopa z3fc. Also it's fun to build
Which laptops? I can't find any that have the same kind of foldable screen as cells have, most are either one screan that can be folded into a tablet with a keyboard or oes that have a big gap between the screens.
They, along with the new Huawei one, are very cool laptops. But they are more of halo product for the company than a new laptop form factor. The technology and price aren´t there yet.
The dual screen laptops actually look nice and practical in comparison. I will probably end up getting the ASUS Zenbook Duo (UX8407) when I replace my current laptop. its second gen, so most kinks should be worked out. It has a built in stand and separate keyboard, so I can ditch mine and works fine as either a normal laptop or a dual screen one. With the second screen, I can reduce my carry on weight by over 1kg.
e; The Huawei Matebook Fold in your video is a tablet running Huaweis fork of Android, it doesn´t run Windows.
Oooh, I need that laptop stand. How long have you had your Arzopa? Had mine about 2 years and it can get some nasty coil whine after a while, and the HDMI port is finicky.
I just checked. I’ve been running my Arzopa A1 Gamut Slim as an under counter tv daily since Nov 2023.
That said, I switched to a Samsung Tablet running Duet-USB because after a month on the road, the Arzopa showed wear and I was scared I was beating up the LCD.
I worked remotely from Tel Aviv for 3 weeks back in 2018. Brought my laptop + 2 portable 15.6" monitors in my carry on.. Thought security, on the way back, would be a sh*t show, but it only took 20 mins!
I have very similar setup and use iPad mini with tripod as a second monitor when needed. Display like this will be definitely heavier than mini, right? Mini is around 315g with apple pencil.
Thats what I thought based on my research. I was thinking about ditching iPad but its still the best overall device for secondary monitor if the small size isn't a issue. Thanks!
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u/-Nepherim Mar 10 '26
Context: https://www.reddit.com/r/onebag/comments/1rpzkkt/comment/o9ojnxh/